President Launches Drug And Substance Abuse Plan

Oscar J Jeke

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday launched the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse plan as the country commemorated the UN day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, with President Mnangagwa taking the opportunity to introduce the approach plan that will see actions towards implementing mitigating challenges caused by drug abuse to public health and social stability.

The newly launched plan seeks to catalyse and support a multi-sectoral approach to challenges brought about by drug and substance abuse to national security, public health, and development.

In his address at the State House, President Mnangagwa said that drug abuse has become a threat to security, public health and social stability, noting that the country’s security agencies will be on high alert to curb and enforce laws relating to drug abuse.

He further encouraged communities to shun such practices, while content producers were also urged to be mindful of their content and message.

“It is my honor and privilege to address this gathering as we join the world in commemorating The UN day against Drug Abuse and the launch of the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse plan. Drug and substance abuse has become a security, public health and social threat. It has consequences such as poor health among a range of negative outcomes. This public health concern is further undermining the social fabric of our beautiful nation particularly the Youth.

"The country’s security agencies will remain on high alert. Those found distributing drugs & illicit substances will face the full wrath of the law. Communities should shun individuals who are distributing drugs and share intelligence information with law enforcement agencies.

“Our content producers and social media influencers are challenged to be responsible with regards to the material and messaging they produce,” he said.

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Co-Ordinator Edward Kallon also explained the importance of commemorating the day as it signals efforts towards ending drug and substance abuse.

“On behalf of UN it is my pleasure to join you on a special day 26 June declared in 1987. The launch of this plan on this day is a reminder of the goals agreed on by member states. According to UN office on Drugs and crime also 292 million, roughly 1 in 20 people used drugs in 2022, globally substance abuse leads to crime and poverty.

"The Trafficking of drugs to Africa has increased over the years. This plan is a result of hard work across sectors under the supervision of His Excellency. I'm impressed by the efforts put by the Government of Zimbabwe to make this possible. 60% of mental patients admitted in Zimbabwe abused drugs.”

National Drug and Substance Abuse Committee Chairman Oppah Muchinguru also giving her remarks added that the launch of the plan will aid policies in place to establish more success towards the zero tolerance to drug and substance abuse.

“By this launch your Excellency, you are sending a clear message to the world that Zimbabwe has zero tolerance to drug and substance abuse. The whole world is grappling with drug and substance abuse and Zimbabwe has not been spared. This monster is non-selective and a threat to our economic agenda. We were able to procure treatment drugs and establish rehab centers. Today we celebrate the success together,” she said.

The UN day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26, as a way to strengthen action and solutions towards achieving a world free of drug abuse.